Just before we get stuck into the Albums of the Year list, I always find it particularly important to highlight the plethora of stand-out EPs that we receive each year. I feel like I've listened to almost as many EPs in 2018 as I have LPs, and so it's been pretty difficult to narrow down my most memorable. Even then, to now narrow them down further was a serious challenge but just as with 2017, I've curated a playlist of the longlist, before shouting out the particularly golden nuggets.
RAY BLK - Empress
This glorious body of work walks the tightrope of full length album and EP both in run-time and in quality. Ray BLK has one of the most distinctive vocals coming from the UK at the moment and her positive and empowering lyricism works to set her apart from the pack for all of the right reasons. No doubts that I will have this spinning consistently until next year's list.
SIPPRELL - I Could Be Loved
Since the release of her debut EP Letter D in 2015, Sipprell's musicianship has truly gone from strength to strength. "Journey" was the first song to capture me and so to have it on an EP where each and every song rivals it, and for different reasons - talk about spoilt. This EP will lift your spirits and meld with your emotions in even the murkiest of times.
MOSES SUMNEY - Black In Deep Red, 2014
Just three tracks in less than 10 minutes and we have one of the most original EPs of the Year. I wish that I wrote every single one of the songs on this. It took me a while to even realise that "Call-To-Arms" had no lyrics in it. The instrumentation and production on this album is special and something entirely unique to Moses.
AUSTEL - Unfold
After discovering Austel earlier this year I've caught a couple of their live performances since and with each one I was just more and more excited for their debut EP to come out. Unfold is a well thought out yet experimental body of work. Their ability to manipulate rare sounds to tell as much of a story as the vocals do is admirable to say the least.
MAYPINE - Bend/Break
MAYPINE have come a long way from last year's EP In The Back Of My Mind - moving in the direction of a moodier, more mature sound. "Kodokushi" was a clear stand-out for me on first listen, drawing me back to the music I'd mostly associate with labels like No Sleep Records (and we all know how much I love them). MAYPINE are continuously growing and shaping their sound and I don't foresee this changing come 2019.
YAZMIN LACEY - When The Sun Dips 90 Degrees
One of my favourite new vocal discoveries from 2018 and this EP is a large testament to that. Yazmin's silky, soulful tones will stick in your mind long after the tracks come to an upsettingly swift end. She's had an amazing year selling out shows around the country and after her collaborations and work with names like Brownswood Recordings and Skinny Pelembe, I know I'll be hearing her jazzy croon again soon.
AMBER MARK - Conexão
The title track opens up with a spacious, sexy instrumental; which then leads to one of my favourite singles of the year "Love Me Right". This song has potentially the best execution of a key change that I've heard this year. Amber's voice has been the strong carrying force in her work for a long time now and I can hear the instrumentals and lyrics now rising up to match that.
ROBERT GLASPER X KAYTRANADA - The ArtScience Remixes
The collaboration I didn't know that I needed until I saw it in writing. Two of my favourite producers have finally come together to create jazzy, R&B gold. I sincerely hope that this isn't the last time we'll see these two names on a piece of work together. I only wish that this was an entire album.
RAYVN LENAE - Crush
One of the most recognisable female vocals to come out of the US in the past two years. Ravyn's touch on a track - be it her own, or another artist's - is always memorable and original. Her work with Steve Lacy (of The Internet) both this year and last has pushed her towards the limelight and her unique soprano and steady tone has keep her firmly in it.
BOYGENIUS - boygenius
Another fantastic collaboration that I didn't realise I was desperate for until it was shown to me. Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus and Pheobe Bridgers together make up boygenius. Rarely have three separate artists, each with quite distinctive voices been able to unite and compliment each other so well. Their harmonies flow like they've been singing as one for years and their melancholic lyrics leave a lasting taste in your mouth after every listen.
Check out the Spotify playlist including songs from these EPs and more memorable gems here.
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